What Does Hardening of Neutron Spectra Mean?

  • Thread starter Thread starter nuclear420
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Neutron Spectra
AI Thread Summary
Hardening of a neutron spectrum refers to the upward shift in average neutron energy, resulting in an increased proportion of fast neutrons and a decrease in thermal neutrons. This spectral shift can enhance the conversion of U-238 into Pu-239, facilitating greater fission production without the need for higher U-235 enrichment. Essentially, a harder spectrum indicates that neutrons are traveling at higher speeds on average. This phenomenon is significant in nuclear reactions and fuel cycle efficiency. Understanding neutron spectrum hardening is crucial for optimizing reactor performance and fuel utilization.
nuclear420
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
Can someone explain what "hardening" of a neutron spectra means?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
nuclear420 said:
Can someone explain what "hardening" of a neutron spectra means?
Average neutron energy, or more particularly, the distribution of neutron energy shifts upward, or the fast neutron portion of the distribution increases while the thermal (low energy) portion of the neutron energy distribution decreases.

One can take advantage of spectral shift (shift in neutron energy spectrum) to increase the conversion of U-238 into Pu-239, which allows for more fission production without increasing the U-235 enrichment.
 
Put simply, a harder spectrum has the neutrons traveling at higher speeds (on average).
 
  • Like
Likes fuadhhasan
Hello, I'm currently trying to compare theoretical results with an MCNP simulation. I'm using two discrete sets of data, intensity (probability) and linear attenuation coefficient, both functions of energy, to produce an attenuated energy spectrum after x-rays have passed through a thin layer of lead. I've been running through the calculations and I'm getting a higher average attenuated energy (~74 keV) than initial average energy (~33 keV). My guess is I'm doing something wrong somewhere...
Back
Top